As the rich aroma of Garlic fills my kitchen, I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over me—these are the scents that invite everyone home. Today, I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken with Asparagus, a dish that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also makes weeknight dinners a breeze. With a quick prep time of just 5 minutes and a total cooking time of 30 minutes, this meal shines as a crowd-pleaser perfect for busy evenings. The combination of zesty lemon and fresh dill creates a light, vibrant sauce that elevates the simple chicken and asparagus into something truly special. Ready to impress your loved ones and savor home-cooked goodness all in one pot? Let’s dive into the delicious details!
Why is this Chicken Recipe a Must-Try?
Simplicity at Its Finest: With just a handful of ingredients, you'll whip up this delightful meal in just 30 minutes!
Vibrant Flavors: The zesty combination of lemon and dill elevates the chicken, creating a dish that dazzles the senses.
One-Pan Wonder: Say goodbye to extra dishes! This recipe allows you to sauté, simmer, and serve everything in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
Nutritious and Delicious: Packed with protein and veggies, this Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken offers a healthy twist without sacrificing flavor.
Perfect Pairing: Serve with your choice of rice or crusty bread to soak up the luscious buttery sauce—your family will be asking for seconds!
Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Ingredients
Dive into the flavors of this delightful dish!
For the Chicken
• 1 lb chicken breast – Choose boneless and skinless for easy cooking and perfect tenderness.
• Salt – Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken.
• Pepper – Freshly cracked pepper adds warmth and depth to the dish.
For the Asparagus
• 1 bunch asparagus – Fresh asparagus brings a lovely crunch and vibrant color to your plate.
For the Sauce
• 2 tablespoon olive oil – A healthy fat source that complements the chicken's richness.
• 4 tablespoon butter – Adds a creamy texture and a rich, indulgent flavor.
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped – Fresh garlic infuses the dish with aromatic goodness.
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes – For just a hint of spice that balances the dish beautifully.
• ½ cup chicken broth – Keeps the chicken juicy while adding savory depth.
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested – The star of our recipe! The citrus brightens every bite.
• ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped – A fragrant herb that pairs perfectly with lemon for a refreshing twist.
Getting ready to whip up this Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken is just a step away! Enjoy the process of mixing these fresh ingredients and inviting your loved ones to share in the warmth of home-cooked goodness.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic
Step 1: Prepare the Asparagus
Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add 1 bunch of asparagus, cooking for about 3–5 minutes until they become crisp-tender. As the asparagus brightens and softens slightly, transfer them to a plate and set aside to keep warm while you prepare the Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In the same skillet, add 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Allow it to melt completely, then place 1 pound of seasoned chicken breast into the pan. Cook for about 3–5 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F. This will create a beautiful crust that enhances the dish's flavor.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spice
Once the chicken is browned, stir in 4 cloves of chopped garlic and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook everything for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant, taking care not to let it burn. The Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic sauce is already starting to come together as the aromatic scents fill your kitchen!
Step 4: Incorporate Chicken Broth
Pour in ½ cup of chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any brown bits—the culinary gold that adds depth to your sauce. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. You'll notice the broth thickening slightly as it melds with the flavors of the chicken and garlic.
Step 5: Brighten with Lemon and Dill
Next, stir in the freshly squeezed juice and zest of 1 lemon along with ¼ cup of chopped fresh dill. These ingredients will bring a refreshing lift to your dish. Return the previously cooked asparagus back into the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure the vibrant Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic sauce coats the chicken and vegetables beautifully.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken with Asparagus is well combined, it’s time to serve! Plate this delightful dish immediately, perhaps accompanied by your favorite side like rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Your family's taste buds are in for a delightful treat with this quick and flavorful meal!
Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Variations
Feel free to get creative and tailor this dish to your family's taste buds for an extra dash of love!
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free twist that keeps the dish rich.
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Vegetable Boost: Add a mixed variety of colorful bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and sweetness.
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Herb Swap: Replace dill with fresh parsley or basil for a different flavor profile and freshness.
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Citrus Kick: Incorporate lime juice along with the lemon for a zesty, exciting change in citrus flavor.
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Spice It Up: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a heartier kick in your sauce.
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Chicken Alternative: Substitute chicken with shrimp for a quick, delightful seafood version of this recipe.
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Nutty Twist: Add slivered almonds or pine nuts as a topping for an enjoyable crunch and nutty flavor contrast.
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Garlic Lover: Try roasted garlic instead of fresh for a sweeter, more rounded garlic flavor that complements the other fresh ingredients beautifully.
These variations make it easy to keep the Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic chicken feeling fresh and exciting each time you whip it up! If you're exploring more fantastic flavors, you might enjoy pairing this dish with a light drink like my Mint Rosemary Lemonade or some delicious Lemon Zucchini Bread for dessert!
Make Ahead Options
These Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken with Asparagus are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken in the lemon juice, zest, and a sprinkle of dill up to 24 hours in advance, allowing those vibrant flavors to penetrate the meat. Additionally, you can chop the asparagus and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply sauté the marinated chicken as directed, add the prepped asparagus, and finish cooking per the recipe instructions. This approach not only saves you valuable time on busy weeknights but also ensures your dish retains its delicious quality—just as vibrant and mouthwatering as if cooked fresh!
What to Serve with Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken
The vibrant flavors of this delightful dish await a charming selection of side companions to create a heartwarming meal.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their smooth texture contrasts beautifully with the buttery sauce, creating a comforting embrace for your palate.
- Quinoa Salad: Light and nutty, quinoa adds a nutritious boost and freshness, perfectly complementing the lemony chicken.
- Roasted Baby Potatoes: Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, these little gems soak up the rich sauce and add a satisfying crunch.
- Garlic Bread: The aroma of toasted garlic bread enhances the dining experience, ideal for dragging through the luscious sauce.
- Sautéed Spinach: This delicate green brings a fresh pop of color and a tender bite, adding nutritional value to your plate.
- Chilled White Wine: A glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc brightens the meal, echoing the zesty notes of lemon and dill.
- Lemon Sorbet: For dessert, this refreshing sorbet cleanses the palate and mirrors the meal's citrusy zing, leaving you satisfied yet wanting more.
- Herbed Rice: Fluffy rice flavored with fresh herbs allows you to soak up every last drop of that buttery lemon-garlic sauce.
How to Store and Freeze Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic
Fridge: Store any leftover Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring it's cooled before sealing.
Freezer: If you wish to freeze portions, pack the chicken in airtight freezer bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. It can last up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to revive the sauce.
Expert Tips for Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic
Quality Ingredients: Choose the freshest chicken and asparagus you can find. Their flavors enhance the overall dish, making your Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic really shine.
Temperature Matters: Ensure the skillet is hot enough before adding chicken to achieve that golden brown crust, which locks in the moisture.
Avoid Garlic Burn: Stir in the garlic just before adding the broth to prevent it from burning; burnt garlic can turn your sauce bitter.
Taste as You Go: Continuously sample the sauce after adding the lemon and dill, adjusting salt and pepper to your preference for an ideal balance.
Layer Flavors: Don’t skip scraping the bottom of the pan when adding chicken broth; those browned bits are flavor-packed treasures that enrich your Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic sauce.
Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely, for the best results, I recommend using boneless and skinless chicken breast for this Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly, remains tender, and absorbs the flavors of the garlic and lemon beautifully.
How do I know when the asparagus is the right texture?
Very! You want to cook the asparagus until they are crisp-tender, typically about 3–5 minutes in the skillet. They should be vibrant green and slightly tender but still maintain a delightful crunch. If they start to turn soft or limp, they've been overcooked.
How can I store leftover Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the chicken cool before sealing it to maintain its moisture. When ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little chicken broth if needed to keep the sauce rich.
Can I freeze Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken?
Absolutely! To freeze this delectable dish, allow it to cool completely, then transfer the chicken and sauce into airtight freezer bags. Be sure to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. It can stay fresh for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
What if I have a garlic allergy?
If you're allergic to garlic, you can still make this Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken, just omit the garlic entirely. To keep the flavor profile rich, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or a sprinkle of onion powder for depth while enhancing the other ingredients' natural flavors.
What can I serve with Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken?
There are so many delightful options! I often pair it with rice, quinoa, or even a hearty pasta. Crusty bread is also a great choice for soaking up the buttery lemon sauce. Feel free to mix and match according to your family’s preferences, the more the merrier!
Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken for Zesty Dinner Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 bunch of asparagus and cook for 3-5 minutes until crisp-tender. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1 pound of seasoned chicken breast and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Stir in 4 cloves of chopped garlic and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute until garlic is fragrant.
- Pour in ½ cup of chicken broth, scrape the bottom of the skillet, and bring to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the juice and zest of 1 lemon and ¼ cup of chopped fresh dill. Toss in the cooked asparagus, mixing everything together.
- Serve the Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken immediately with your favorite side.
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